2026 News Archive

WGN TV's Patrick Elwood covered Tuesday's Supporting Education and Employment Development (SEED) Program graduation, which included 10 participants. See his story here: https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-countys-restorative-justice-empowers-young-adults-to-turn-their-lives-around/

After Jonathan Porter was released on bond for a drug possession charge back in 2021, he realized it was time to change his life’s direction. He was the father of a baby girl, and he needed to be a better man.

“It didn’t resonate to me that I had a little one at home until I got released from jail,” said Porter, of Chicago’s South Side. “I thought, ‘Dang, she’s home… I can’t make those same mistakes.” The arrest wasn’t Porter’s first, but he was determined to make it his last.

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II and the court’s Nominating Committee today announced the names of 14 candidates who will appear on the ballot for election by circuit judges to fill seven associate judge vacancies. 

Daily Herald coverage of fraudulent text message scams, posted by Charles Keeshan: https://www.dailyherald.com/20260325/crime/do-not-click-state-suburban-…

The Office of the Chief Judge is warning the public about a fraudulent “Illinois Circuit Court – Hearing Notice” that is circulating and falsely claims to require payment for unpaid parking charges.

This document is not legitimate and was not issued by the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Circuit Court of Cook County today announced the appointment of Luis M. Gutierrez as court security services administrator. Gutierrez succeeds Jeffrey Pfotenhauer, who is retiring following distinguished service to the Court.

A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

CBS 2 Chicago's Sabrina Franza had the exclusive interview with Chief Judge Beach regarding the upcoming improvements to the Electronic Monitoring system. See her report here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-charles-beach-changes-electronic-monitoring/

Judges from the Traffic Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County will participate in a Driver’s License Reinstatement Expo on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, providing individuals with Cook County traffic cases an opportunity to address matters that may be preventing them from regaining driving privileges.

CBS 2's Sabrina Franza covered improvements made to the EM process. Here is her story: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-changes-electronic-monitoring-program/